Alternative Education is a pathway for learning in education, where young people receive additional learning support. It is one of a suite of options that can be used to re-engage ākonga in a meaningful learning programme targeted to their individual needs and supports them to transition back to school, further education, training, or employment. It can be used as a short-term intervention that is seen as a pathway, not a destination. Alternative Education can be used to prevent suspensions and exclusions.

Alternative Education supports ākonga to progress in the areas of:

• Attendance and engagement

• Academic achievement

• Personal and relational skills

• Re-engagement back into secondary school, further education, or training, or where appropriate, employment, through a planned approach.

The Y Alt Ed program is an extension of all High Schools in Gisborne managed by Lytton High School who we work closely with to ensure that akonga referred are provided with quality foundational education. Akonga will be challenged to develop all aspects of their wellbeing, given opportunities to step out of their day-to-day routine, and grow into self-assured young people that have a positive direction for their future.

Ākonga eligibility

Alternative Education caters for ākonga in secondary schooling who are at risk of or who have already disengaged from school.

To be eligible for entry into Alternative Education, ākonga need to meet both of the following criteria

They are:

• At risk of or already disengaged from school and are in years 9-11.

• Ākonga can remain in AE beyond year 11 if this aligns with their individual needs and Collaborative Action Plan (CAP).